If there is one thing Canadians know, it is how to keep warm in winter. That knowledge is an instinctive talent we possess. When it comes to keeping our heads warm, we know that winter toques are a Canadian fashion necessity.

Showing your pride never felt so warm!

The origin of the toque is uncertain. There is a story that European sailors originated this type of head covering: They would wear large wool stockings on their heads in order to retain body heat. There is another story that fur traders in Canada would wear wool nightcaps during the day to fend off the cold. Regardless of its birth, the toque is certainly a Canadian staple.

I was born and raised in Winnipeg. I know toques. I also spent a few years living in Iowa and am amused by some of the explanations I had to come up with when my American friends would ask about Canadianisms: The word toque rhymes with Luke, the scruffy officer on Hill Street Blues wore a toque and Santa Claus wears a fancy toque. In some regions of the world toques are called toboggans but it was hard work convincing my friends that, to a Canadian, a toboggan is that wooden contraption used to slide down a hill. A person from Canada would find it difficult to walk through the doors of their work place wearing a toboggan on his head instead of this wonderful toque with the colours of Canada.

This covering is known everywhere regardless of whether it is called a beanie, a toboggan or a toque. This popularity makes promotional toques a hit. When fall turns into winter, we all begin to search our closets for favourite branded toques as it is almost a national past time to read the logos on these wonderful creations as we pass each other on the street.

Think of the impact of a black toque against the white snow brandishing your company logo for all to see. Warming heads with a custom toque may also warm your brand image with potential future customers.

From the knit beanie that fits close to the head to the floppy version worn by that beloved cartoon character in The Log Driver’s Waltz vignette from the National Film Board of Canada, the toque is a Canadian institution that will always exist.